News

The Community Council for Australia is launching a series of Forums seeking to reduce the number of charities in Australia. David Crosbie, CEO of CCA, said today that “it is time to ask sector leaders to put self-interest aside and work together rather than competing against each other in the charities and not-for-profit sector.

The Community Council for Australia (CCA) has expressed dismay following reports today that the ACT government is intending to develop an ACT specific definition of charities, ignoring all legal and other conventions, and over-riding existing legislation and regulations.

Treasurer Joe Hokey has invited submissions in line with the Inquiry’s terms of reference by the end of March. As an important and growing sector of the economy, this is a valuable discussion for the not-for-profit sector to contribute to and be involved in.

Objectives

The Inquiry is charged with examining how the financial system could be positioned to best meet Australia’s evolving needs and support Australia’s economic growth.

Recommendations will be made that foster an efficient, competitive and flexible financial system, consistent with financial stability, prudence, public confidence and capacity to meet the needs of users.

CCA’s submission focused on the need for the Prime Minister’s Business and Community Partnership (CBP) to be much more than a talk fest and become a vehicle to enhance relations between not-for-profit entities, their communities, government and businesses.

‘The not-for-profit sector is too important to the Australian economy to be neglected in the forthcoming Federal budget. Talk about support for the sector is cheap – real investment that strengthens the sector is what is needed’ says Community Council for Australia CEO, David Crosbie.

Speaking at the release of the CCA pre-budget submission, Mr Crosbie pointed out that the charities and not-for-profit sector is critical to the economy and to all Australian communities.

David Crosbie, CEO of the Community Council for Australia has welcomed the decision by the Australian Senate to support implementation of the new definition of charity; ‘today’s outcome is a victory for common sense that will benefit charities across Australia now and into the future. The charities sector welcomes the support of the Australian Senate.’

The government’s Bill seeking to delay the start date of the new charities legislation has not passed the Senate. The new definition of charity legislated six months ago will now be implemented from 1/1/14.

These terms of reference outline the role and function of the National Commission of Audit (NCA) - focusing primarily on the role of government, what it should or should not be involved in, return on government spending, identifying potential savings, duplication and waste. Given many charities and not-for-profit organisations receive government funding, the NCA findings will be critical not only in terms of red tape and compliance costs imposed by the government, but also in terms of where the role of charities and not-for-profit organisations should be expanded or reduced.

CCA is preparing a submission for the Commission of Audit in consultation with CCA members.